Kit of modules of a framework

ABSTRACT

A kit of modules of a framework, each module comprises struts connected among each other, each strut comprising a first and a second side, the modules being connected by a set of fixing elements and comprise each at least two gussets placed on two adjacent struts, each strut being provided with at least a first and a second perforation, said gussets being provided with a third perforation and extend in parallel to the second side of the struts, the third perforation being oriented along a direction which crosses the second side, a first respectively a second fixing element of said set being housed in the first respectively the second perforations of two modules when they are assembled side by side with their first sides of the struts of each of the two modules, which fixing elements are provided for enabling to establish a connection between the two adjacent modules while they are connected to each other.

The present invention relates to a kit of modules of a framework, each module comprising at least three struts connected among each other in such a manner as to form a sub-kit of the framework, each strut comprising a first and a second side forming an angle among each other, said kit comprising a set of fixing elements provided for connecting the modules among each other, each module also comprising at least two gussets each placed on two adjacent struts at a height of a junction between those two adjacent struts, each strut being provided with at least a first and a second perforation situated on the first side and applied respectively in the neighborhood of a first and a second end of the strut, said gussets being each time provided with a third perforation.

Such a kit is known from the Australian patent AU 547147 and is for example used for podiums. The kit serves as a support on which a finishing is then applied, such as for example a plank which then constitutes the floor of the podium. The fixing elements are provided for connecting the modules among each other. As the known framework has to be foldable in order to facilitate its transport, the set of fixing elements is formed by hinges placed on the first side of the strut. In order to reinforce the module, gussets, which are also placed on the first side of the strut, are foreseen.

A drawback of the known kit of modules of a framework is that it is only in one direction modular. Indeed, the hinges, which form the fixing elements, are placed on the surface of the module, which prevents to directly join an adjacent module on this surface. The use of hinges being imposed by the necessity to render the kit foldable thus considerably limits the modularity of the kit and does only make it appropriate for a limited number of constructions.

The object of the invention is to realize a modular kit of modules of a framework which can be used for a large number of applications.

To this purpose a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that the gussets extend essentially in parallel with the second side of the struts, the third perforation being oriented according to a direction which extend across the second side, a first of the fixing elements of said set being housed in the first perforations and a second of the fixing elements of said set being housed in the second perforations of two adjacent modules when they are assembled side by side with the first sides of one of the struts of each of the two modules, which fixing elements being provided for enabling to establish the connection between two adjacent modules when said connection is established among them. By using modules where the connection between the modules is done while assembling adjacent modules, the kit offers a larger use flexibility and thus a larger modularity while mounting. The first and second perforations serve for housing therein the first and second fixing elements of the set, the latter do not form an obstacle when the modules are connected to each other.

A first preferred embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that the third perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied, the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled. As the gussets and their third perforations are mounted on the second side of the strut, they are in a different plane than the one where the first and second perforations are, which are applied on the first side. Thus, the gusset enables, due to its third perforation, the juxtaposition of an adjacent module, which also contributes to the modularity of the framework. Indeed, as the third perforation is in the gusset, it can be used for connecting thereon another module by means of the third fixing element. It is thus possible to connect modules as well side by side as under an angle between them.

A second embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that the third perforation is applied on a crossing of a first and a second plane extending respectively across the first perforation of a first of said two adjacent struts and across the second perforation of a second of said adjacent struts, the first and second planes being substantially perpendicular among them. In such a manner care is taken that a third of the fixing elements introduced into the third perforation can engage into a first or second perforation of a module placed against the gusset where the third perforation is located and enable in such a manner an alignment with the strut of that module where the first or second perforation is located.

A third embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that each strut is provided on its first side with at least a fourth and a fifth perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of the first and the second end of the strut and extending in a first and a second plane extending substantially in a perpendicular manner across the first and second perforation. This enables a greater rigidity of the assembling of the framework.

A fourth embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that at least two of said at least three struts are each formed by at least two segments connected among each other by a connection member provided for enabling a displacement of the segments with respect to each other and enabling an extension of the strut.

The connection member enables to extend the length of the strut and thus to more easily adjust the kit of modules of a framework to the dimensions of the place where it has to be applied.

A fifth embodiment of a kit of modules of a framework according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing plate provided for being fixed to a gusset and for extending at the opposite side at which the gusset is applied. The plate enables to fix more easily thereon the finishing and also to more easily remove the finishing.

Preferably the fixing plate comprises an eleventh perforation applied in such a manner to be aligned to the third perforation when the fixing plate is placed on the module. This facilitates the fixing of the finishing because the alignment of the holes enables to easily insert therein a fixing element.

Preferably the fixing plate comprises on two of its sides a staircase profile. This enables to offer an access to the fixing elements introduced in the first and second perforations.

The invention will now be described by means of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of a module of the kit according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the lay-out of the first, second and third perforations;

FIG. 3 shows an overview of a second embodiment of a module of a kit according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows the second embodiment of a module of the kit in its extended shape;

FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment of the module of the kit with ancillaries fixed thereon;

FIG. 6 shows three modules of the kit assembled among each other;

FIG. 7 shows an overall view of a module provided with a fixing plate;

FIG. 8 shows a device for assembling the modules; and

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a module according to the invention.

In the drawings, a same reference has been allotted to a same or to an analogous element.

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a first embodiment of a module 1 of the kit of modules of a framework according to the invention. Each module comprises four struts 2,3,4, and 5 connected among each other in such a manner as to form a sub-kit of the framework. Of course, the module could only comprise three struts instead of four, or it could also comprise more than four struts. It is however necessary that the struts are connected at least two by two among each other for giving a rigidity to the module. For clarity reasons in the remaining of the description a limitation to a module with four struts will be applied. Each strut comprises a first 2 a, 3 a and a second 2 b, 3 b side forming an angle among each other. This angle is preferably of 90°, but could have any value between 60° and 120°.

The module comprises at least two gussets 6 each placed on two adjacent struts at a height of a junction between those two struts. This has for consequence that the gussets are each time at a height of a corner of the module. They are preferably aligned with the struts. The gussets are preferably superposed on the struts and extend essentially in parallel with the second sides 2 b, 3 b of the struts on which they are mounted. As shown in FIG. 1, the gussets 6 are superposed on the struts 2,3,4 and 5 in order not to disturb the fixing elements. The gussets preferably have a thickness of 18 mm and the struts have preferably a thickness of also 18 mm.

Each strut being provided with at least a first 7 and a second 8 perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of a first 11 and a second 12 end of the strut. The first and second perforations are located on the first sides 2 a, 3 a of the struts. Preferably, each strut is provided with at least a fourth 9 and a fifth 10 perforation placed respectively in the neighborhood of the first 11 and the second 12 end of the strut. The fourth and fifth perforations are preferably similar to the first and second perforations and are also situated on the first sides 2 a, 3 a of the struts. As shown in FIG. 1 the fourth and fifth perforations extend respectively at a distance of the first and second perforations and in a first plane PL1 and a second plane PL2 extending substantially perpendicular across the first and second perforations.

The perforations serve to introduce therein and to house therein fixing elements, such as for example screws and bolts or pins. These fixing elements 43 are part of a set of fixing elements which enable to connect adjacent modules among each other, as illustrated with a dotted line 48 in FIG. 6. The perforations are either formed by blind holes in the first side of the strut, or they cross in a rectilinear manner the strut as from the first side for reaching the other side of the strut.

Thus, for building a framework with a kit of modules according to the invention and where the modules are aligned in a same plane one will take each time two modules 1 and will place the first side of a strut of one of the modules against the first side of a strut of the other module in such a manner that those first sides are side by side. In the first and second perforations 7 and 8 of first of the two modules to be connected among each other there are each time introduced a first respectively a second fixing element in such a manner that they are housed in the perforations of the concerned module. It will then be sufficient to bring the two modules together by bringing them side by side and by engaging the fixing elements applied in the first module into the first and second perforations of the other of the two modules. The connection between the two modules is finished when the first and second fixing elements are engaged in the first and second perforations. In case where the modules are provided with fourth and fifth perforations 9 and 10, of course a similar operation will be applied to those perforations. In function of the dimension of the framework to be build more modules will be placed side by side by applying each time the same mounting sequence as the one which has been described. The modules can be juxtaposed as well in a horizontal as in a vertical direction, in such a manner that the framework is formed by a matrix of modules.

The fact the fixing elements are housed in the first, second, and as the case may be in the fourth and fifth, perforations, has for consequence that their presence does not disturb the juxtaposition of the modules, which can thus be tightly connected among each other without having gaps between them. Indeed, at the height of the connection between two juxtaposed modules the fixing element will only cross this connection.

The gussets are each time provided with a third perforation 13, which, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is preferably applied on a crossing I of a first plane PL1 and a second plane PL2 extending respectively across the first perforation 7 of a first 4 of said two adjacent struts and across the second perforation 8 of a second 5 of said two adjacent struts, the first and second plane being substantially perpendicular to each other. The third perforation is oriented along a direction which extends across the second side of the struts. Thus, the third perforation forms an angle, in particular an angle of 90°, with respect to the direction along which the first and second perforations applied on the first side of the strut extend.

The third perforation 13 is positioned in such a manner as to enable a connection by means of a third of the fixing elements of said set with the first, second, fourth or fifth perforations of one of the modules of the kit applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied. This enables to place and fix two modules against each other in such a manner that they form a 90° angle among each other. A third fixing element of the set of fixing elements being housed in this third perforation of one of the modules and the one of the first, second, fourth or fifth perforation of the other module when they are assembled. Thus, it becomes possible not only to form a framework which extends in a same plane, but also a framework which extends in several planes.

Preferably, when the modules are placed according to a matrix they will all be placed in a manner that the gussets are on a same side, except for the or the modules on which the or the will be fixed another module on their gusset. This enables to use the same fixing elements for a fixing by means of struts among each other or between a strut and a gusset. Moreover, the fixing elements applied in these third perforations will not disturb the one already applied in the first, second, fourth and fifth perforations. Thanks to this disposition of the third perforation 13 a fixing element which will be introduced in this third perforation will be sufficiently distant of the fixing elements introduced in the perforations applied on the first side of the struts.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, which shows another embodiment of a module according to the invention, it is also possible that the gusset comprises at least a sixth perforation 40, 41 placed offset with respect to the third perforation 13. Preferably the sixth perforations are applied at a same distance of the third perforation and at the angles of a rectangular triangle. The or the sixth perforations serve for mounting on the module other modules which will then also be offset with respect to that module. This increases the number of configurations of frameworks which can be realized according to the invention.

In the embodiment, according to FIG. 9 the module also comprises at least a first hole 42-1 placed substantially at the center of the first side of a first strut and a second hole 42-2 placed substantially at the center of the first side of a second strut situated at the opposite side of the module. Those holes cross their respective struts. Preferably each hole 42 comprises on its both sides a channel 43 and 44 which extend from the circumference of the hole towards each time an end of the strut. Those holes have several functions among which the one to help catching the module by hand, to enable the passage of cables or tubes, or also to insert therein rods for rigidifying the framework.

In the embodiment, according to FIG. 9 the module also comprises ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations placed at a distance of the first and second and having configurations and functions similar to the latter. Those ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations serve to connect other modules which could thus be mounted offset with respect to the module on which they are mounted. Of course, the presence of sixth 40,41, ninth 45 and tenth 46 perforations and the one of the holes 42 are independent of each other and can be applied as well together as separately on the other embodiments described in this document.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the gussets are applied within the enclosure formed by the module and their surface is at the same height as the one of the second sides of the struts. Of course, this lay-out of gussets can also be applied at the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

The FIGS. 3 and 4 show an overview of a second embodiment of a module of a kit according to the invention. This embodiment distinguishes over the one shown in FIG. 1 by the fact that at least two of the struts 2,3,4 and 5 are each formed by at least two segments 2-1 and 2-2, 3-1 and 3-2. Each of those segments is preferably provided with a seventh 16 and an eight 17 perforation similar to the first and second perforations. The segments are connected among each other by a connection member 14 provided for enabling a displacement of the segments with respect to each other and enabling an extension of the strut or an inclination of the segments between them. Preferably this connection member is formed by a lath applied against a third side of the strut and provided with at least one groove 15 (-1,-2,-3,-4) in which a lug applied on the strut grips. The third side of the strut is situated on the opposite side of the one where the first side is situated. Thus, the segments can slide the one with respect to the other and they are guided in this movement by the lug which slides in the groove. As the case may be, a fixing element is introduced in the seventh 16 or the eight 17 perforation in order to fix the segments in their extended position. The presence of the connection member enables thus to vary the dimension of the module, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and to build a framework which can be adapted at the dimensions of the place where it will be placed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection member comprises four grooves 15-1, 15-2,15-3 and 15-4 which has the advantage of maintaining the segments of a same strut well aligned with respect to each other when they are at a distance from each other. This of course relates to a preferred embodiment and it will be clear that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, it can be envisaged to have only one groove. The fact that the grooves do not extend over the whole length of the connection member has the advantage of rigidifying the connection member.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a module of the kit with ancillaries attached thereon. Those ancillaries, such as for example an angular piece 18 or a straight piece 19, are mounted inside the module and extend in the interior delimited by of the module. The ancillaries are fixed to the connection member by gluing, screwing or by means of nails. They enable to apply a finishing thereon.

FIG. 7 shows an overall view of a module provided with a fixing plate 20. The fixing plate is provided for being fixed to a gusset 6 and for extending at the opposite side of the one where the gusset is applied. The fixing of the fixing plate to the gusset is for example realized by means of a rod which is at least partially provided with a screw thread and which crosses the third perforation 13 applied on the gusset and an eleventh perforation 23 applied on the fixing plate. The eleventh perforation is applied in such a manner to be aligned to the third perforation when the fixing plate is applied on the module. This fixing plate serves for fixing a finishing thereon. As the fixing plate is fixed on the gusset it can be easily mounted and demounted from the module without intervening on other components of the module and thus leaving the framework as such. As it is the fixing plate which carries the finishing, the latter is mounted and demounted with the same facility as the fixing plate.

The fixing plate comprises on two of its sides a staircase profile 21, 22. This has the advantage of leaving free space for the fixing elements which would be applied in the perforations of the struts. The staircase profile enables thus that the fixing elements do not hinder the mounting of the fixing plate.

Preferably, the third 13 and eleventh 23 perforations comprises a hollow out applied for housing therein a head of a bolt which is part of the fixing element. Thus, the head of the bolt does not form part of a protrusion with respect to a plane of the gusset or of the fixing plate, which protrusion could perturbate the application of a finishing.

FIG. 8 illustrates a device for assembling the modules of the kit according to the invention. The device 30 comprises a support 33 provided with a horizontal rod 31 and a vertical rod 32 each mounted in such a manner as to slide on the support. To this purpose, the support is provided with a first sliding rail 34 and a second sliding rail 35. For connecting the modules among each other a series of modules 1 is juxtaposed. Thereafter the horizontal and vertical rod are slide against the juxtaposed modules which have as effect of correctly aligning them. It will be enough to thereafter connect the modules among each other by means of the fixing elements for forming the framework.

The modules are preferably made of wood, preferably poplar, treated to be fireproof. The modules can of course be made of other materials than wood, such as for example aluminum or plastic.

The modules according to the invention enable to build in a fast and very flexible manner a framework, which on its turn could be used for several applications such as for example, a closure, a cabinet, a shelf, a podium, a support for a decor, a staircase, a bence, etc. As the modules can be easily connected among each other by means of the fixing elements placed in the perforations and that the modules can be associated under a multiple of configurations, as well in a same plan as under plans forming an angle between them, the frameworks of different configurations can be formed without using complex techniques. 

1.-13. (canceled)
 14. A kit of modules (1) of a framework, each module comprising at least three struts (2,3,4,5) connected among each other in such a manner as to form a sub-kit of the framework, each strut comprising a first (2 a, 3 a) and a second (2 b, 3 b) side forming an angle among each other, said kit comprising a set of fixing elements provided for connecting the modules among each other, each module also comprising at least two gussets (6) each placed on two adjacent struts at a height of a junction between those two adjacent struts, each strut being provided with at least a first (7) and a second (8) perforation situated on the first side and applied respectively in the neighborhood of a first (11) and a second (12) end of the strut, said gussets being each time provided with a third perforation (13), characterized in that the gussets extend essentially in parallel with the second side of the struts, the third perforation being oriented according to a direction which extend across the second side, a first of the fixing elements of said set being housed in the first perforations and a second of the fixing elements of said set being housed in the second perforations of two adjacent modules when they are assembled side by side with the first sides of one of the struts of each of the two modules, which fixing elements being provided for enabling to establish the connection between two adjacent modules when said connection is established among them.
 15. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied, the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled.
 16. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third perforation is applied on a crossing (I) of a first (PL1) and a second (PL2) plane extending respectively across the first perforation (7) of a first of said two adjacent struts and across the second perforation (8) of a second of said adjacent struts, the first and second plans being essentially perpendicular among them.
 17. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third perforation is positioned in such a manner as to enable a connection by means of a third fixing element of said set with one of the first or second perforation of one of the modules of the kit applied against the gusset where the third perforation is applied, the third fixing element being housed in said third perforation and the first or second perforation when the modules are assembled, and wherein the third perforation is applied on a crossing (I) of a first (PL1) and a second (PL2) plane extending respectively across the first perforation (7) of a first of said two adjacent struts and across the second perforation (8) of a second of said adjacent struts, the first and second plans being essentially perpendicular among them.
 18. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that each strut is provided on its first side with at least a fourth (9) and a fifth (10) perforation applied respectively in the neighborhood of the first (11) and the second (12) end of the strut and extending in a first and a second plan extending essentially in a perpendicular manner across the first and second perforation.
 19. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the gusset comprises at least a sixth perforation placed offset with respect to the third perforation.
 20. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that at least two of said at least three struts are each formed by at least two segments (2-1,2-2;3-1,3-2) connected among each other by a connection member (14) provided for enabling a displacement of the segments with respect to each other and enabling an extension of the strut.
 21. The kit according to claim 20, characterized in that the connection member (14) is formed by a lath applied against the strut and provided with at least one groove (15) in which a lug applied on a third side of the strut grips.
 22. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing plate (20) provided for being fixed to a gusset (6) and for extending at the opposite side at which the gusset is applied.
 23. The kit according to claim 22, characterized the fixing plate comprises an eleventh (23) perforation (23) applied in such a manner to be aligned to the third perforation when the fixing plate is placed on the module.
 24. The kit according to claim 22, characterized in that the fixing plate comprises on two of its sides a staircase profile (21,22).
 25. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that the third perforation comprises a hollow out provided for housing therein a head of a bolt.
 26. The kit according to claim 14, characterized in that at least two struts situated at opposite sides of the module comprises a hole (42) crossing the strut on which they are applied.
 27. A device for assembling modules of the kit according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a support (33) provided with a horizontal bar (31) and a vertical bar (32) mounted in such a manner as to slide inside the support against the modules mounted inside the support. 